Meadow wasn't alone by her mom's side for long. Elowen and Kip both came to join them, and Meadow squished happily among her siblings. Kipling's words in particular were comforting, and she offered her brother a small, grateful smile. Being sandwiched between them and mom, that was enough to have her feeing a bit better about being in such a crowded, noisy room. Between the safety of her family and the ear plugs, it was enough to keep the girl from getting too badly overwhelmed.
There's talking. Not just a little, but a lot. Artorias starts, and then her cousin Dusk. Meadow did her best to read their lips, not truly listening. She was processing it at her own pace, and tat was probably enough. Not like she was much of a fighter anyway. Past the basics of defending herself, the girl doubted she'd be doing much when it came to fighting. Not only that, but Meadow didn't want to bring harm on anyone else. Sure learning the theory was important, but beyond that? Meadow would keep that thought to herself.
Callie was the first to speak up with a question, breaking the ice. Meadow tucked against Fern's side, looking between her and Kip. Maybe there was an expectation that she asked one as well... and suddenly she felt sheepish. Anxiety rising once more, she shifted nervously beside her mother.
